Question

You read an article on a website that suggests that there may be a new form of cancer-causing mutagen that causes the DNA backbone structure to be disrupted in its normal sequence. Using your knowledge of the structure of the DNA molecule, explain how you might hypothesize such a mutagen might impact the ability for the DNA molecule to do its job effectively.

Answer 1

The mutagen might alter the DNA sequence, thereby altering the accessibility to transcription factors and thus activate the expression of oncogenes involved in cell proliferation

Step-by-step explanation:

The DNA molecule consists of two antiparallel strands of nucleotides that wind around each other. Each DNA strand is formed by a backbone containing sugar (deoxyribose) and phosphate groups. This arrangement allows for DNA replication and transcription (and consequently also protein synthesis) to occur. If a mutagen agent binds to DNA, this might modify its structure, thereby altering DNA replication and transcriptional activity.